Press Release: Creative Writing graduate wins University of Sussex Vice Chancellor’s Prize at West Dean College

West Dean College Creative Writing MA graduate, Charlotte Beck,
has won the Vice Chancellor's Prize awarded by the University of
Sussex, which validates many of the postgraduate programmes at West
Dean. The Prize is awarded to the most outstanding MA student. To
support committed writers in developing their skills through to
publishing the College recently announced a new part-time Masters
Degree in Creative Writing and Publishing for the September 2015
intake. It will be delivered in 12 intensive 3-day study blocks
over two years. West Dean is internationally renowned for teaching
in the Creative Arts and Conservation with 89% of students citing
reputation as the reason they choose to study at the College. This
year nearly 30% of West Dean graduates are progressing to Master
Degrees at the College.

"It's fantastic that Charlotte's exceptional hard work and
talent has been rewarded with this prize. The Creative Writing team
at West Dean looks forward to watching her career go from strength
and strength", says Martine McDonagh, author of After
Phoenix and I Have Waited, and You Have Come and
Programme Leader on the new MA.

At the 2015 Awards Ceremony three College students received
double awards. Clocks Conservation student Tabea Rude won the
British Antique Dealers' Association (BADA) Harold Davies Prize and
the Antiquarian Horological Society (AHS) Southern Section Clocks
Prize. West Dean is the only College is the UK, USA and Europe
offering a Clock Conservation programme. The Worshipful Company of
Cutlers, Langdon Dowsett Scholarship was awarded to Victoria
Bullard-Smith, Metalwork Conservation, who also won a BADA Harold
Davies Prize.

Books Conservation student, Jessica Hyslop, won the Worshipful
Company of Arts Scholars' Company Bursary, a new prize award to the
student who has demonstrated the most commitment and dedication to
the development of their education and practice. Jessica was also
awarded the Nick Johnson Prize which recognises the unique
combination of interdisciplinary skills required for excellence in
book conservation.

"This year has seen a strong cohort of students who have
demonstrated excellence in practical skills as well as strong
academic performance," says Shayne Rivers, Head of Conservation.
"The awards available to our students reflect the support West Dean
College receives from a wide range of organisations and individuals
who are committed to supporting high quality conservation and arts
education."

Conservation students gain hands-on experience working on unique
and often rare objects from acclaimed collections. Many graduates
go on to work in some of the world's finest institutions, such as
the Victoria and Albert Museum, National Maritime Museum, The
British Museum and Imperial War Museum, or establish their own
conservation practice.

Full information and funding options are in the prospectus at
www.westdean.org.uk. View
conservation in action here.

In recognition of the increasing difficulties in funding for
postgraduate education West Dean College offers a wide range of
bursaries and scholarships for talented students who would not
otherwise be able to study at West Dean College.

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Notes to editors

West Dean College is part of The Edward James Foundation, an
educational charitable trust established in 1964, also comprising
West Dean Gardens, West Dean Estate and the West Dean Tapestry
Studio. Charity No. 1126084.

All photography is copyright free for editorial purposes.

West Dean College is situated on the A286, six miles north of
Chichester and within easy access of Portsmouth, Guildford,
Brighton and London.